Andean Bear Conservation

Zoo Animals

Details

Andean bears are a flagship for the unique and fragile tropical Andes ecosystem, the richest and most biologically diverse region on earth. This species faces a number of threats including habitat loss, conflict with humans, and insufficient scientific knowledge on existing bear populations. To design effective conservation plans for Andean bears, updated and accurate information on species distribution, abundance, and conservation status is needed. This important information is still lacking for many parts of the Andean bear range. Working in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society and other partners, we are consolidating efforts around a common action plan and focusing on a specific long-term conservation goal for Andean bears. The action plan will produce an accurate and updated assessment of the distribution and status of the remaining Andean bear populations, through targeted research, exploration, and capacity-building projects.